Graduation Archives - Rolling Out

Barack and Michelle Obama hosted their “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation ceremony via YouTube on Sunday, June 7, 2020. The Obamas invited a host of celebrities, including Alicia Keys and Beyoncé, to congratulate and uplift this year’s graduating class. The program featured a performance by Lizzo, accompanied by the New York Philharmonic. She played a…

Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg surprised a number of students by appearing in video calls with them to mark their graduation. The 66-year-old media mogul and the acclaimed Hollywood director answered questions from the graduates on John Krasinski’s show “Some Good News,” with activist Malala Yousafzai and comedian Jon Stewart also answering questions from the…

In a stroke of serendipity, the same weekend that Nipsey Hussle received a king’s sendoff during the BET Awards in Los Angeles, his 10-year-old daughter also paid tribute to her late father at her recent elementary school graduation. Emani Asghedom paid homage to her father, who was born Ermias Asghedom, as well as her mother…

The summer is a season full of important events to celebrate, from graduations to Father’s Day. Every celebration is an opportunity to let those being honored know just how much you care. We know that gift giving can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Untuckit (pictured above) — This New York-based brand was developed by Chris…

Clark Atlanta University senior Warren Hawkins III will be graduating on May 20, 2019. He currently serves as the student government association undergraduate president. Below is an interview with rolling out in which he describes his experience at an HBCU. Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? I believe I will be walking…

In the upcoming weeks, thousands of students who attend HBCUs will become graduates. Before the grads enter the real world, it’s important for them to receive keen advice from commencement speakers who can provide words of encouragement. Here are five powerful HBCU commencement speakers for 2019. Robert F. Smith, Morehouse College Robert F. Smith, founder…

Jaylen K. Denson is preparing to graduate from Atlanta Metropolitan State College in May with a degree in business. The 21-year-old from East Point, Georgia, is one of the shining stars on campus, serving as vice president of the Student Government Association and as a former president of the Brother-2-Brother club. Denson’s reflected on his life…

It’s that time of year again. Graduation season is here and students everywhere are making decisions that have the power to shape the outcome of their entire lives. In the coming months, high schools seniors, in particular, will be forced to make some major decisions regarding the college of their choice, and what major they…

Racist White America loves calling African Americans lazy, listless, unmotivated, uncouth, uneducated and host of other derogatory names. But when a group of Black students actually counter the odious stereotypes and graduate from a prestigious institution, such as the University of Florida, one of their White staffers can’t control his urge to shame them and…

Having a mentor like uber-successful TV host Oprah Winfrey means that expectations to be great are pretty high. As Bongeka Zuma graduated salutatorian from Spelman College with Winfrey proudly watching, it was obvious that her astonishing accomplishment did not disappoint. Zuma was one of 483 bright and beautiful Black women who received a degree from…

Each spring, commencement ceremonies mark a major milestone in the lives of graduates, and their parents, families and friends. In hopes of sending their alumni off well, Historically Black Colleges & Universities do an outstanding job of securing well-rounded and prestigious speakers for their ceremonies. Take a look at current HBCU commencement speakers starting with our commander in chief. It’s his…

For the past few months there has been an unprecedented move taken on behalf of former high school students who failed their state’s exit exam. These students were caught in a situation where they completed all educational and attendance criteria but could not pass a state-mandated exit exam to get their high school diplomas. This…

In Mississippi, it’s apparently a crime to express pride for a child who accomplishes an outstanding goal. According to WREG, four parents were arrested for cheering for their kids as they received high school diplomas. The incident took place at the Senatobia High graduation. Before the ceremony, attendees were asked to hold their applause until every…

For three years The Home Depot’s Retool Your School program has made a remarkable difference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities looking to upgrade their grounds and facilities. The competition, which is designed to increase student and alumni school pride, also gives students the opportunity to learn from other case studies by touring competing college campuses. This…

By now many have seen the now viral video that shows a principal in Georgia making racist comments. Nancy Gordeuk, the principal of TNT Academy in Gwinnett County, Georgia, made the comments during the school’s graduation ceremony. According to Gordeuk, she did not mean for her comments to be offensive and blamed her remarks during the graduation ceremony on…

Graduating seniors at Randallstown High School cermony ruined

Randallstown High School in Baltimore, Maryland is a magnet school for biomedical technology and mass communications. However the graduation day for these bright students turned into a nightmare as a group of students and parents begin to fight during the ceremony. Police have arrested two adults and the school district is investigating whether or not current…

Nearly one million college graduates from across the nation are entering the job market. But jumping into a new phase of life can be scary without proper planning. When seeking job opportunities, it’s important for recent grads to put themselves in a position to find employment and live in a city where they can meet…

On Sunday May 18, 2014, New York Times Best-selling author and entrepreneur, Toya Wright, flew to Detroit to surprise a college graduate who had suffered several injuries from a tragic car accident. The 23-year-old survivor, Basia Ruffin, was involved in a very severe car accident in 2009 where she was ejected from her vehicle after…

A source close to 50 Cent is denying reports that the hip-hop star intentionally missed his son’s high school graduation this week. 50’s son, Marquise Jackson, posted a photo on Facebook Sunday crying in his cap and gown while hugging his mother. He included a caption that slammed his famous father for not being there on his big day.

The names ranged from English, African, Jewish and even Russian pronunciations as Morehouse College celebrated its 130th commencement exercises. Despite the rain and cold, parents and Morehouse graduates were excited to finally graduate after a hard year. Among those in attendance was Stevie Wonder, who was able to experience his son, Kwame Morris, become part of…